Lock: Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) –A calming presence for the All Blacks for so long now, Whitelock led his country out against Namibia. His consistency is key now more than ever to the All Blacks machine.
Lock: Luke Thompson (Japan) –The 38-year-old has rolled back the years in the second row against quality opponents. Tackled like a demon every minute he was on the field to help his side make a first ever World Cup quarter-final as he played in his fourth tournament.
Blindside-flanker: Michael Leitch (Japan) – Japan’s talismanic captain is the rock on which the team’s rise to the World Cup quarter-finals has been founded. On-field charisma keeps his side inspired.
Openside-flanker: Justin Tipuric (Wales) – He’s probably been one of the best opensides in the world for a while, but now he’s showing it. The Ospreys man is absolutely relentless.
Number 8: Kazuki Himeno (Japan) –Has impressed everyone with his hard running and tough tackling. Surely will become a target for overseas clubs.
Anyway player of the tournament so far for me is Kazuki Himeno.
— 2001: a Space Sodomy 🧬🥋🏉 (@Jew_n_A_HalfMen) October 6, 2019
In 3 matches for japan:
Only 1 try, but 47 carries for 181m gained. 73 tackles(!!) of which 68 successful. And 3 turnovers won. Absolute unit, shit haircut. pic.twitter.com/Nwz0HANCIT